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Lace-Flower Vine Alsobia dianthiflora

Previously known as:

  • Episcia dianthiflora
Phonetic Spelling
al-SO-bee-a die-AN-thuh-flor-uh
Description

Alsobia dianthiflora, or Lace Flower, is one of two species of the Alsobia genus. It is a tender perennial succulent that is native to Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and parts of Central and South America.  Its fringe-edged petals make it an attractive houseplant. It tends to trail as it grows making it ideal for hanging baskets.

The plant has a stoloniferous habit, where rapidly growing stems are produced from the leaf axils. At the tip of the stems are plantlets that root readily and, when left alone, can result in a large mat of plants, each of which may have originated from the same parent plant. Alsobia dianthiflora in particular, is a small-leaved, compact plant that produces large white, frilled flowers and numerous stolons.

As a houseplant, Alsobia does require some warmth and humidity and does well under artificial light, or on a windowsill. The plant prefers well-drained and somewhat moisture-retentive soil, such as standard African Violet soil mixes.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known disease or pest issues.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#succulent#tropical perennials#tender perennials#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#succulent#tropical perennials#tender perennials#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Alsobia
    Species:
    dianthiflora
    Family:
    Gesneriaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Mexico to Northwest Colombia
    Distribution:
    Parts of Central America, Venezuela, and Bolivia
    Fire Risk Rating:
    low flammability
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Succulent
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Dense
    Spreading
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Shape:
    Wheel
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Petal margins are deeply fringed.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Bright green, furry, leaves form a mat beneath and around the flower stalks.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Specimen